Bodega Noemia de Patagonia Rio Negro Valley Malbec 2016

Professional Ratings

• 97 Wine Enthusiast
  Cropped from an almost perfect growing season when the grapes ripened slowly, the 2016 Noemía is pure Malbec from one single plot of vines planted in 1932 and comes through as aromatic, floral, perfumed, open, showy and impressive. They used 25% full clusters (higher than in the past) for the vinification this year, and the wine matured in Darnajou oak demi-muids for a shorter amount of time than ever before—just 15 months—when it used to have an élevage of 18 months or longer. This is the result of winemaker Hans Vinding Diers now living on the property and following up on the vineyard and wine every day. It's open, impressive and captivating from minute one—as soon as I put my nose in the glass, I had to smile. The palate is elegant with refined tannins, bright fruit and subtle minerality, nicely textured. It's super tasty and elegant, with less alcohol than ever, yet it has not lost any of its clout and is still powerful and seems to have all that is needed for a nice, long life in bottle. This was bottled earlier than other vintages. It has to be one of the finest vintages of Noemía to date.
  Rating: 97+
• 96 James Suckling
  Fascinating aromas of blackberries, hot stones, fresh herbs, coffee and hints of strawberries. Subtle and complex. Medium to full body with a very refined texture and fine-grained tannins. It builds on the palate as you taste it. Harmonious and focused. A pretty sensibility and savoriness, driving you back for another sip. Drink or hold.
• 94 Wine Spectator
  Suave and refined, with a seductive minerality to the rich red plum, dark currant and black olive flavors. The finish is loaded with luscious dark chocolate and spicy notes. Drink now through 2024.